Meta’s Mixed Reality Glasses Postponed to 2027 Amid Strategic Shift
Meta Platforms Inc., formerly known as Facebook, has reportedly delayed the release of its upcoming mixed reality glasses, codenamed Phoenix, from late 2026 to the first half of 2027. This decision reflects the company’s strategic reassessment of its augmented and virtual reality initiatives.
The Phoenix glasses are anticipated to resemble Apple’s Vision Pro, featuring a puck-like external power source. This design choice suggests Meta’s commitment to delivering a high-quality, immersive experience. The delay follows internal communications indicating that CEO Mark Zuckerberg has urged teams to prioritize sustainability and enhanced user experiences over expedited timelines. Metaverse leaders Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns emphasized that the postponement provides more breathing room to get the details right.
This development aligns with reports that Meta plans to reduce its metaverse budget by up to 30%, signaling a more cautious approach to its virtual reality ventures. The company has a history of adjusting its AR and VR strategies; in 2022, Meta scaled back plans for its AR glasses and shifted its Portal device focus from consumers to businesses.
In the competitive landscape, other tech giants are also recalibrating their AR and VR efforts. Microsoft discontinued its HoloLens 2 in 2024 without announcing a successor, while Snap Inc. plans to release lightweight consumer AR glasses in 2026.
Despite these strategic shifts, Meta continues to innovate in the mixed reality space. In September 2025, the company launched Hyperscape, a technology that transforms real-world environments into virtual reality experiences, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to advancing immersive technologies.
